As some of you all may know, I'm autistic and don't support curing autism. Well, for the past few months I've gone to a group hosted by the Autism Society of America. They support a cure, even some highly controversial ones. The group was me, my therapist, and 2 other autistics (around the same age as me). Now, recently I have found a new group for autistics, called GRASP. They *don't* support a cure at all. It's also a huge group of people and quite a few are older than me. I've never been before but I'm invited to go at the end of the month. What should I do? Do I tell my therapist if I go? I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings!
2007-05-08 05:26:10 · 7 answers · asked by aspergerskitty 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Hey there....doesn't it make sense to surround yourself with people who can truly support you and your ideas and opinions? There is usually alot to learn from people who are older than you and this group could open doors to new things, people etc....
Can you do both? From the babysitter of a 12 year old Autistic Sweetie!!
2007-05-08 05:32:21 · answer #1 · answered by Michelle T 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I would definitely go. It would great to meet new people with whom you have things in common. You could form some new and very rewarding relationships. My son is on the spectrum (he's 8) and I would l love for him to be friends with others like himself, I feel he could bond with them more than neurotypical kids.
But I'm not sure why you think you would hurt somebody's feelings. ASA definitely wouldn't mind that you're going to another support group at all, the more the better.
And as far as the "cure" issue, people who support a cure really don't have any problem with people who don't. We are all looking to make the lives of ourselves and our loved ones better and ease whatever suffering they have, whether anti-cure or pro-cure. I think that issue is more of a misunderstanding than anything else. "Curebies" have nothing against groups like GRASP, I belong to a group like GRASP and a biomedical group.
Good luck
2007-05-08 15:51:31 · answer #2 · answered by momto1 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
not trying to offend anyone at all, but why wouldnt you support finding a cure? you may be comfortable being autistic, but im sure theres a million other autisic people out there who might want to find a cure.
I think you should go. If thats what you believe in, go for it.
Tell your therapist if your comfortable telling him/her. He/she is a therapist for a reason, and honestly, I dont think you would hurt their feelings by telling them your going to support what you believe in.
You are your own person.
2007-05-08 12:33:26 · answer #3 · answered by Kath. 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Why should your therapist know? If he/she has to know, then politely say that you are going to a group that you can relate to and be open and honest about not wanting a cure.
2007-05-08 16:39:18 · answer #4 · answered by Me Encanta Espanol 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dont worry about hurting anybody's feelings. It is more important that you be able to deal with autism than to massage somebody's Ego. If they truly want the best for you, they will support you as you fight this thing. If they DONT want the best for you, their "feelings" on the matter are irrelevant.
Hang in there!!
2007-05-08 12:31:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Go, explore and check it out. The decision does not need to be an either/or decision. Get more information on both groups and then go to the one that feels the best for you, or go to both of them.
2007-05-08 12:38:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Please go, you may find yourself enjoying it. I doubt anyone would intentionally hurt you there. If they do slip and say something derogatory or it hurts your feelings, then don't worry, just know, you can see them as knowing less than you.
2007-05-08 12:55:28 · answer #7 · answered by mary 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋